Information Update - Spring 2006

LibQUAL+™ Will Access Library Users' Needs

The Weinberg Memorial Library's mission is to provide information, service, and programs that meet the current and anticipated educational, research, and public service needs of the University and other communities. The Library is committed to supporting a culture of excellence in teaching and learning. How well we are realizing this mission requires feedback from our users in three dimensions: 1. We want to know how well our collection and access to resources meet users' requirements. Is our control of information timely, convenient, and easy to navigate? Do we provide the proper technology for your use? 2. We want to know how users feel about their interactions with library faculty and staff. Are staff responsive to your needs? Is instruction reliable? 3. We want to know how well the Library as a place meets users' expectations. Is the Library both a utilitarian space and a refuge in which to study and reflect?

To assess users' perceptions, the Library will administer LibQUAL+™, an instrument developed by the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), to a random sample of students and faculty beginning in February and ending in March. As an incentive, the Library will award an IPod and jump drives (USB memory sticks) as prizes for responding (email addresses for these prizes are separated from responses to make certain that all surveys are confidential). Those selected for participation will receive an email with a URL to link to a web survey. There are 22 standard items and 5 special items relating to Jesuit identity. An open-ended box invites participants to voice their concerns and suggestions. The LibQUAL+™ assessment will provide us with users' perceptions of the quality of library services on these dimensions. Since other Jesuit colleges and universities will be administering the measure at the same time, we will also have comparable assessment information from peer institutions.

Since LibQUAL+™ provides radar charts indicating gaps between users' perceptions of the library and their expectations, it will help us to chart goals for improvement of services and allow us to acknowledge those areas where we exceed expectations.

The Weinberg Memorial Library is always interested in how well we serve our users. Your input is also welcome. If you have any feedback on your experiences, please share them with us.